Fungal chitin dampens inflammation through IL-10 induction mediated by NOD2 and TLR9 activation.

ABSTRACT: Chitin is an essential structural polysaccharide of fungal pathogens and parasites, but its role in human immune responses remains largely unknown. It is the second most abundant polysaccharide in nature after cellulose and its derivatives today are widely used for medical and industrial purposes. We analysed the immunological properties of purified chitin particles derived from the opportunistic human fungal pathogen Candida albicans, which led to the selective secretion of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. We identified NOD2, TLR9 and the mannose receptor as essential fungal chitin-recognition receptors for the induction of this response. Chitin reduced LPS-induced inflammation in vivo and may therefore contribute to the resolution of the immune response once the pathogen has been de

SUBMITTER: Wagener J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3983064 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature